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How stands my country now?—at peace within, The peasant, undisturb'd beneath his vine, The citizen in safety, high or low, While our fair banners flout the gates of Florence. Not for the palace only have I ruled, But for the green fields and the market place; Peace dwells beneath the shadow of my power.

Ah, me! I know too well how much Castruccio Has done for Lucca.

I have given youth, And love, and hope, to be her sacrifice. From the first hour that Lucca own'd my sway, I only look'd to her prosperity: The heart went with her that now turns aside; On one side dost thou stand and happiness, But on the other, danger, toil, and care.

And duty !

A heavy duty girdles me around; Arrezi's daughter has my plighted honour: For Lucca's sake was the alliance sought, To bind her father's party to my side. A darker power than mine impels me on— For the first time I hesitate, and fain I would recall my purpose.

Not for me;